About me
I specialise in Neurodiversity (ADHD and Autism) and I work with adolescents 16+, adults and couples. My wok is integrative and relational, which means, I integrate my initial psychodynamic and CBT modalities with other theories. These approaches are adapted to suit my clients, and I personalise my sessions to each individual clients needs. If you are looking to work on mental health, coaching for coping with specific traits, to learn more about your neurodiversity and self awareness or consider whether you want to pursue a diagnosis. We can discuss what your goals for therapy are when we have our initial chat. My experience is both professional (primary teacher 10 years and therapist since 2016) and personal as a parent of a child (now grown up) with ADHD.
I also supervise other counsellors and psychotherapists, in private practice, working for the NHS, charitable and private organisations, school counsellors and university student counsellors/mentors.
Ways of Working
I have had specific training in my specialism, attend regular monthly individual and group and private supervision, to support my ongoing training and development. I work in a holistic way and was trained in Psychodynamic theory and Cognitive Behaviour Therapy. However over the years I have attended courses in other modalities and I have integrated these into my practice.
In addition to supporting individual clients from 16 years of age, I work with couples. Supporting couples understanding of each other, through improved communication. Through empathic listening and working in a positive way, thus developing an improved, happy and successful relationship. Couples gain the ability to work through difficult conversations calmly and with successful resolution. Not only does couples work improve intimate relationships but the skills learned are invaluable in all relationships, e.g. family, friends and in the workplace.
My sessions are via Teams, I am based in West Yorkshire, however I have clients all over the UK and Europe (my insurance covers this). I started Zoom sessions in April 2020 due to COVID and found my clients really like working online. They can find a private and comfortable to have their session. There is no travel time or environmental/financial cost implications on top of the session either. Some adolescent clients want sessions with parents to begin with if they wish.
The Types of Issues I Support Neurodivergent Clients With
Clients come to me with a variety of issues and I find no one person is the same, everyone is different. However, the typical issues people come to see me about are:
- Pre-diagnostic support
- Post diagnostic support
- ADHD
- Autism
- PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance}
- Anxiety and depression
- Self-esteem and building confidence
- Anger and meltdowns
- Post traumatic Stress/Trauma
- Childhood Trauma
- Recovering from Narcissistic and other forms of abuse
- OCD and Phobias
- Support of family members and parenting a neurodivergent child
- Perinatal therapy during pregnancy and post
- Coaching and coping strategies relating to Neurodiversity
Qualifications
BA Hons (QTS) in Primary Education Specialising in Creative Arts, 2.2, December 2006
Diploma in Effective Psychotherapy with CBT level 5 October 2016
Post Graduate in Clinical Supervision, University of Derby November 2021
Certificate in Couples Work, Developmental Model (12 day Course), Physis Scotland January 2025
Additional CPD Specific to Neurodiversity
I attend regular CPD (training and conference relating to client specific areas I feel I need to develop skills in more depth) every month and have a Neurodiverse specialist supervisor for my own work. I also attend group supervision to enhance my practice.
Safeguarding for adults and children
Autism Dialogue Approach
Gender Identity and Autism
Understanding and Supporting individuals with an Autism Spectrum Condition
Courses presented by BACP, NCPS, Living Autism, AWARE and many more.